BOLTON’S Rotary Club raised £1,600 for local charities including Bolton Hospice and Cancer Research UK.

The money was raised through donations, events and sponsored activities but the majority came from the 2012 Ironman Challenge.

Ironman athletes donated the money they raised to the club who then distributed it to chosen charities.

Alan Smith, president of the Rotary Club, said: “It takes a long while to collect all the funds so we are only just giving out the money raised at the 2012 Ironman, but it is worth it.

“The thanks go mainly to the competitors who have taken part for rotary and the many people involved in organising Ironman competitors and their entries.”

Bolton Cancer Research UK shop manager Ruth Payne was presented with the cheque at an event held at the club. The 53-year-old said the money raised will go towards the Stand Up To Cancer campaign.

She added: “Fundraising is very important and without the support of the public we wouldn’t be able to continue the research work we do.”